I just need a light duty hitch but don't want to buy a large one that bolts to the frame. Do you think the TJ stock rear bumper could accommodate something like this?
Could this be adapted for a TJ?
- Thread starter TLT1964
- Start date
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
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What do you plan on attaching to it?
I wouldn’t tow with that on the OEM bumper. Maybe a bike rack or ski’s or something like that.
I wouldn’t tow with that on the OEM bumper. Maybe a bike rack or ski’s or something like that.
The heavier then average oem bumper at first glance seem like that is possible but there's no way it can handle the dynamics associated with towing.
I'd just buy a Dirtworx rear bumper and be done with it.
Assuming you can get one...been waiting almost six months.
I just ended up with a frame mounted hitch...on a frame I got for free...who ever thought they could tow with a 2.4...yours if you want to pay shipping.
-Mac
Assuming you can get one...been waiting almost six months.
I just ended up with a frame mounted hitch...on a frame I got for free...who ever thought they could tow with a 2.4...yours if you want to pay shipping.
-Mac
I don't know how much that "hitch" is but I wonder how much of the way you'd be to a clean simple bumper with an integrated hitch if you put that money elsewhere.
It's been a long time since I've seen the stock rear bumper but I'm not even sure how you'd install that, I think it's mostly a C channel of fairly thin gauge steel. I think with the leverage of any load on it at all it'll probably succumb to fatigue pretty quickly, but I don't know.
It's been a long time since I've seen the stock rear bumper but I'm not even sure how you'd install that, I think it's mostly a C channel of fairly thin gauge steel. I think with the leverage of any load on it at all it'll probably succumb to fatigue pretty quickly, but I don't know.
No. There's not really enough metal to bolt that hitch to.
And if you did add enough metal to bolt it in, you shouldn't trust it to last long, even with a light load.
Those frame-mount hitches are easy to install.
C.J. Roberts
TJ Addict
You could just put one of the cheap Chineseum bumpers on. The powdercoat isn't great, but it's still stronger than stock, and it has a receiver in it for your load.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3056315917...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3056315917...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1
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x2 - I'd say this or like @macleanflood mentioned - Dirtworx. By far the best fabbed bumper for the money that I've seen. Had one on my CJ5. Very clean, basic and stout.
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That's the thing, they are less than $50. I want to keep the stock bumpers, so that's why I'm looking at cheaper options.
C.J. Roberts
TJ Addict
I don't think the one you show will work. However, if all you're doing is hauling bicycles and such, something like these below that could just bolt to the bumper, (with at LEAST fender washers to back up the bolts), should work. These are both under $50 on Amazon.
It's not so much of a weight thing. I think hanging a bike carrier off of that will put to much stress on the stock bumper. The bouncing up and down will surely flex the stock one.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
LONGJP2
TJ Expert
Don't cheap out on safety. Imagine what might happen if the hitch and bikes broke loose on the interstate.
Remember the weight/force will increase when bouncing.
I've seen bikes on the back of campers hit the road while bouncing.
I wouldn't tow a child's wagon - empty and across a flat paved parking lot - with the stock bumper. Consider the size of it and the fact that it weighs only 15.6 lbs, then do the math. Its all but "paper thin". There are plenty of options for something that will do the job safely, including making your own like I and several others here have done.
If you want a hitch and want to keep the stock bumper, get a bolt-on receiver that connects directly to the frame.
If you want a hitch and want to keep the stock bumper, get a bolt-on receiver that connects directly to the frame.
Two words “Metal Fatigue”. I had a bike rack on the 4” bumper of my trailer. 2 bikes. Half way during a 2K mi trip a good samaritan pulled up next to me and pointed at my trailer. When I got out and looked, my rack was at a 45 degree angle. The area around both welds on the 4” bumper and frame failed and it was barely holding on. The constant bouncing will fatigue the metal at some point. I was able to twist the bumper free. I think the bouncing is more damaging than the pull of a trailer.
Thanks! Yeah, I'm not gonna haul anything that requires a super beefy setup.
WestCoastDan
TJ Addict
Apparently he's not going to haul anything that he wants to keep, either.
Not sure I trust the stock bumper either, just getting some feedback.
Brianj5600
TJ Expert
I agree with all that suggested a standard MOPAR, Draw-tite, etc trailer hitch. There are 2 on my local facebook marketplace.